Lip and Tongue-Tie Releases: What They Are and When They May Be Necessary

Lip and tongue-ties are conditions that, while often present from birth, can sometimes go unnoticed until they begin to cause difficulties in feeding, speech, or oral health. At Windham Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Windham, NH, Dr. Caitlin Pyle and her team are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for these conditions, helping to ensure that your child’s oral development is not hindered by these common but sometimes overlooked issues.

Understanding Lip and Tongue-Ties

Lip-ties and tongue-ties occur when the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the mouth, is too tight or restrictive. This can limit the movement of the lips or tongue, leading to various functional challenges.

What Is a Tongue-Tie?

A tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the frenulum under the tongue is too short, tight, or thick. This restricts tongue movement, which can interfere with breastfeeding, speech development, and oral hygiene.

What Is a Lip-Tie?

A lip-tie occurs when the frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gum is too tight. This can prevent the upper lip from moving freely, which may lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, tooth decay, and even the development of a gap between the front teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Lip and Tongue-Ties

Recognizing the signs of lip and tongue-ties early on is essential for timely intervention. While some children may exhibit obvious symptoms, others may not show signs until later in life.

Common Signs in Infants:

• Difficulty Breastfeeding: Trouble latching, poor weight gain, or prolonged feeding sessions can indicate a lip or tongue-tie.
• Clicking Sounds While Feeding: This sound occurs when the baby loses suction during breastfeeding, a common issue with tongue-ties.
• Colic or Reflux Symptoms: Babies with lip or tongue-ties may swallow air during feeding, leading to gas, colic, or reflux.

Common Signs in Older Children:

• Speech Delays: Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, particularly those that require tongue movement (like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r”), can be a sign of a tongue-tie.
• Gaps Between Teeth: A noticeable gap between the upper front teeth may be due to a lip-tie.
• Dental Hygiene Challenges: Limited tongue mobility can make it difficult for children to clean their mouths properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

When Is a Lip or Tongue-Tie Release Necessary?

Not every lip or tongue-tie requires intervention. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own or may not cause significant issues. However, when the condition leads to functional problems, a release procedure, known as a frenectomy, may be necessary.

Indications for a Frenectomy:

• Feeding Difficulties: If a lip or tongue-tie is interfering with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, a release may be recommended to improve feeding efficiency and comfort.
• Speech Impairments: When a tongue-tie affects a child’s ability to speak clearly, particularly in the pronunciation of certain sounds, a frenectomy can help.
• Dental Issues: If a lip or tongue-tie is contributing to dental problems, such as decay or gum disease due to poor oral hygiene, a release may be advised.
• Orthodontic Concerns: A lip-tie that is causing a gap between the front teeth may need to be released to allow for proper tooth alignment and orthodontic treatment.

The Frenectomy Procedure: What to Expect

A frenectomy is a simple and quick procedure that involves the release of the restrictive frenulum. At Windham Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Caitlin Pyle performs this procedure with precision and care, ensuring minimal discomfort and a quick recovery for your child.

Steps Involved in a Frenectomy:

1. Consultation and Diagnosis: Dr. Pyle will perform a thorough examination of your child’s mouth to determine the severity of the lip or tongue-tie and whether a frenectomy is necessary.
2. Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the area may be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. In some cases, a laser may be used, which reduces bleeding and speeds up healing.
3. Release: The tight frenulum is gently snipped or lasered to release the tension, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, Dr. Pyle will provide instructions for post-operative care, including exercises to prevent the frenulum from reattaching.

Benefits of Lip and Tongue-Tie Releases

The release of a lip or tongue-tie can have immediate and long-lasting benefits for your child’s oral and overall health.

Immediate Benefits:

• Improved Feeding: Many parents notice an immediate improvement in their baby’s ability to latch and feed effectively after a tongue-tie release.
• Better Speech Development: Children who undergo a tongue-tie release often experience improvements in their speech clarity and pronunciation.
• Enhanced Comfort: Relief from the discomfort and frustration associated with feeding difficulties or speech challenges.

Long-Term Benefits:

• Improved Oral Hygiene: With increased mobility, children can better clean their mouths, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Proper Dental Development: Releasing a lip-tie can help prevent orthodontic issues, such as gaps between teeth, that may require more extensive treatment later on.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing feeding, speech, and dental issues early on, a frenectomy can improve your child’s overall quality of life, making everyday activities more comfortable and enjoyable.

Supporting Your Child’s Oral Health at Windham Kids Pediatric Dentistry

At Windham Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing comprehensive care that supports your child’s oral development from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Caitlin Pyle and her team in Windham, NH, offer personalized treatment plans to address lip and tongue-ties, ensuring that each child receives the care they need to thrive.

Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care:

• Early Assessments: We conduct thorough assessments to identify and address oral health issues early, including lip and tongue-ties.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of your child, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
• Ongoing Support: We provide ongoing care and support to help your child maintain optimal oral health and achieve healthy development.

By understanding the importance of addressing lip and tongue-ties early, you can help your child avoid potential complications and support their overall well-being. Whether your child is experiencing feeding difficulties, speech challenges, or dental issues, Dr. Caitlin Pyle and the team at Windham Kids Pediatric Dentistry are here to provide expert care and guidance.

Sources

1. Kotlow, L. A. (2011). Oral Diagnosis of Abnormal Frenum Attachments in Neonates and Infants: Evaluation and Treatment of the Maxillary and Lingual Frenum Using the ErbiumLaser. Journal of Pediatric Dentistry.
2. Amir, L. H., & James, J. P. (2006). Management of Tongue-Tie in Breastfeeding Infants. Pediatric Clinics of North America.
3. Hogan, M., Westcott, C., & Griffiths, M. (2005). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Division of Tongue-Tie in Infants with Feeding Problems. Pediatrics.